Melvins – Tarantula Heart
Reviewed by: Georgina Strikakos
Review Score: 8
Melvins experiment with their songwriting on Tarantula Heart as they are one of the most legendary alternative rock bands out there. They have been active for quite a long time, and they also have inspired musicians who went on to define generations, including Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Despite achieving widespread acclaim and success, Melvins never bowed down to any trend or market, and they continued to do exactly what they wanted to do over the years, and that is – creating uncompromising music that keeps pushing the limits. They will never blend in with the mainstream and that is why we love them.
The cult band has recently announced a new album named Tarantula Heart. The album was recorded, mixed, and produced by long time Melvins collaborator Toshi Kasai at The Sound of Sirens Studio in Los Angeles. The cool album cover art was created by Mackie Osborn.
This record features many special guests, which seems to be a new way for the Melvins to keep exploring ideas and expand their sound. Most notably, this new record features two drum kits, creating an even more exciting barrage of aggressive sounds and grooves.
Analyzing this album in the usual manner is somewhat challenging though due to its unique creation process, but I am going to do it! The opening track ‘Pain Equals Funny’ dominates a significant portion of the record, showcasing a structured and doom/psych-influenced sound. It’s a twisted masterpiece. It could even be considered a standalone piece of work. Following this, ‘Working the Ditch’ takes the next spot, lacking in melody but compensating with its solid structure that adheres to the typical conventions of a rock song.
The remainder of the album spirals into a bit of disarray with the track ‘She’s Got Strange Arms’, a standout song title for sure. This is where the album could potentially lose a listener, especially if it’s a new one as it leans more towards a heavy chorus and a barrage of beats rather than a traditional song structure. The same goes for the song ‘Smiler’.
One of the previously released singles from the album is titled ‘Allergic to Food’ and it feels like a great introduction to what people can expect from the aesthetics of this record overall. The free form guitar jam in the intro is reminiscent of something that Black Flag would’ve concocted during Greg Ginn’s most experimental period – the song hits hard with a unique form of controlled chaos, the kind that only Melvins are seemingly able to conjure up to such a high degree of freedom and aggression in their music.
Many of the songs on this record have more of a metal twist, also thanks to the contributions of drummer Roy Mayorga, known for his work with bands, like Ministry, Stone Sour and Soulfly among others. According to King Buzzo, the frontman of the group, another notable difference between Tarantula Heart and many other Melvin records is the creative approach. He previously explained that the band would normally hear the songs, learn the material, and then approach the recording studio. However, Tarantula Heart was different in the way the Melvins developed their jams into fully finished tracks, writing new music to fit the jams as they were being created.
CONCLUSION
Tarantula Heart stands out as a testament to the band’s continual commitment when it comes to blending metal, punk, and experimental rock. The result is a mighty fusion of distorted guitars, pounding drums, and raw energy, which feels right at home with the rest of the Melvins discography.
Tarantula Heart will be available April 19, via Ipecac Recordings.